The steelpan community has lost a great man. He was a cultural ambassador who made, recorded, played, and taught the steelpan and created carnival costumes too. He was a friendly person always willing to come out to play for schools and community.
I remember the day I met Jerry. It was a Sunday afternoon and I went to Harbourfront to enjoy one of their many summer festivals. I had just finished watching a performance on the main stage and as I was leaving I heard the faint sound of the steelpan. I looked around and did not see where the music was coming from but was determined to find it.
I crossed the bridge and continued walking until I saw a little hill and on it was a small man playing two steelpans. I smiled and walked right over to him. Without saying anything he presented his sticks to me to play his instrument. I had never played a double-tenor steelpan before however I created a rhythm. “You play pan?”, he said. “Not this one”, I said. ”Tenor”.
From them he invited me to perform on gigs with him, Tunka, Jeff and sometimes Ken.
I enjoyed it as it was different to performing with a steelband whereby you have a set repertoire. Every gig I would learn new songs like Cherry Pink, And I Love Her, and have the opportunity to add my own songs.
We played at beautiful weddings out of the city, extravagant birthday bashes on the beach, elementary schools, holiday events and even for cultural celebrations.
Every gig I learned a little more about Jerry. He told me about performing in Bermuda and being invited to play at the Regal Constellation Hotel by the Airport for a few weeks and it ended up turning into a few years. Those were some juicy stories. I will cherish those conversations.
My mother reminded me about Jerry Jerome at Caravan back in the 80’s. As a child, I attended an annual week-long multicultural celebration called Caravan. You could purchase a “passport” and visit different pavilions in various neighbourhoods around the city showcasing cultures of the world in a show. I remember attending the Trinidad and Tobago pavilion “Port of Spain”. Upon arrival, you would be immersed in the smells, sites, and sounds of the Caribbean. The food was always amazing, the costumes were brilliant hues, and the entertainment was always fun. Calypso, limbo, and steelpan. My mother mentioned he always sang “The Big Bamboo” song for the audience. I do not remember him personally but I find it pretty amazing that decades later we would share time, space, and music.
Last September I had the opportunity, to play my last gig with Jerry.
I remember watching him play. He was looking off into the distance for the longest time as if in deep thought. Funny thing is that he kept playing his pan -his hands knew exactly where to go. Notes were flying and he didn’t once make a mistake. Months after I was told he was sick.
Thank you Jerry for the love and light that you shared with us. You laid a path for those that came behind and for that we will always be grateful.
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